by admin | Jun 21, 2017 | Books, Florida, Historical, Louisiana, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
“Freedom’s Price” is the third book in Christine Johnson’s Keys of Promise series. Although there are some crossover characters, this book easily stands on its own. I would also recommend both of the other books in this series, “Love’s Rescue” and “Honor Redeemed”, not because they are necessary but because each is an enjoyable read.
I personally have enjoyed this series that has seemed to get better with each book. In my opinion “Freedom’s Price” was amazing with it’s steady plot that seemed to move from one dangerous situation to another as the mystery and suspense escalated. Strong characters whose faith saw them through trials and seemingly impossible circumstances were well crafted and natural. An equally convincing villain brought a compelling sense of evil to the story.
I liked how the relationship between Catherine and Tom developed slowly despite their opposing ambitions. I particularly admired Tom’s determination to protect Catherine even when her stubborn choices put her at risk. It goes without saying that romance was inevitable but was not the primary focus of the story.
I would be quite happy if “Freedom’s Price” is not the last book of this series as is the usual practice. I would enjoy reading more novels set in historic Louisiana and Florida.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Sometimes the hardest step to take is the first step forward
When Englishwoman Catherine Haynes loses both her father and her home in 1856, she decides to cross the Atlantic to find her American mother’s family in Louisiana. She enlists the help of Tom Worthington, a dashing Key West man who makes his living salvaging wrecked ships.
When Catherine arrives at the plantation, she finds that her family has left it in the care of a manager–who’s let it fall into disrepair. Torn between returning to Key West with Tom and beginning the hard work of restoring the plantation, Catherine soon finds herself snared in a plot to steal her inheritance. When an incredible secret comes to light, both she and Tom will face a choice: grip their dreams ever tighter or step forward in faith–even if it costs them everything.
Read an excerpt from “Freedom’s Price” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
© E.A. Creative Photography 2013
Christine Johnson is the author of several books for Steeple Hill and Love Inspired and has been twice named a finalist for Romance Writers of America’s Golden Heart® award. When not writing, she loves to hike and explore God’s majestic creation. These days, she and her husband, a Great Lakes ship pilot, split their time between northern Michigan and the Florida Keys.
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by admin | Jun 10, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
How can I even begin to write a review that is good enough for this incredible book? With its perfectly down-to-earth, normal characters (at least most of them) and a plot that covers the reality of life and its heights and depths, “True to You” is a book I will remember for awhile.
Nora Bradford is the middle of three sisters and has always felt somewhat lacking compared to the other two. After a crushing breakup, she decided she didn’t need romance in her life and buried herself in books and her work. After a few years Nora was becoming a lonely soul but had no idea how to turn her life around. Her historical village should be enough for her – shouldn’t it?
On the surface former Navy Seal John Lawson seems to be the exact opposite of somewhat quirky Nora. He is a serious businessman invested in up-to-date methods and technology. But Nora is uniquely qualified to help John in his search for answers about an inherited disease and surely spending a little time with her can’t hurt.
I was enthralled with “True to You”. Each poignant scene, every romantic scene, and all the humorous ones worked together perfectly for a natural story that touched my heart. I loved the conversations between John and Nora as I watched them slowly drawn closer to each other and I loved seeing into their hearts and their caring natures. I laughed and I cried and it was all good.
What a perfect story about learning to trust God during the good times and the bad times. “True to You” is an absolute work of art and I eagerly await book two in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Bethany House. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
After a devastating heartbreak three years ago, genealogist and historical village owner Nora Bradford decided that burying her nose in her work and her books is far safer than romance in the here and now.
Unlike Nora, former Navy SEAL John Lawson is a modern-day man, usually 100 percent focused on the present. However, when John, an adoptee, is diagnosed with an inherited condition, he’s forced to dig into the secrets of his ancestry.
John enlists Nora’s help to uncover the identity of his birth mother, and as they work side by side, this pair of opposites begins to suspect that they just might be a perfect match. But can their hope for a future survive their wounds from the past?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Photo Credit: © Emilie Hendryx of E.A. Creative Photography
Becky Wade is a native of California who attended Baylor University, met and married a Texan, and now lives in Dallas. A favorite among readers of Christian contemporary romance, Becky has won a Carol Award, an Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award, and an INSPY Award. Learn more at www.beckywade.com.
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by admin | Jun 10, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
“Cinderella Texas” is a contemporary western romance with an unexpected twist. Imagine if you will an extremely wealthy Texas ranching family who have decided to forego all the modern trappings of electricity, cell phones, television, etc. except for what is required for business – and that at a different location than their home. Then imagine a 100% citified young woman accepting a job as teacher to two young children of the rancher but doesn’t realize how they live until she arrives at the ranch. Uh-huh, makes a pretty interesting scenario, doesn’t it.
Needless to say, the scene was obviously set for some humor, especially when heroine Alyson seemed to be somewhat accident prone. Of course a little romance would also be expected. Rancher Quatro Greene was pretty appealing despite his somewhat antiquated living conditions and he found Alyson equally attractive. This always entertaining novel was laced with conversations about faith which led Alyson and Quatro to greater understanding of each other.
I particularly liked that each of them was willing to not only listen to the other but to learn from each other as well. As a result, positive changes were made by both without compromising their beliefs.
“Cinderella Texas” is a fun book with plenty of “meat” to chew on. I recommend it to those who enjoy westerns but also for those looking for something a little different.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Opposites attract. Or do they? Alyson Spencer hoped to teach school in her beloved Dallas and didn’t particularly like cowboys or a rural lifestyle. The last thing she expected to do was accept a teaching job homeschooling the children of widower, Robert Lee Greene IV, called Quatro, a handsome rancher and one of the richest men in Texas. Sparks fly when daily life on his cattle ranch is not what a city-girl like Alyson expected. She is unwilling to admit that a mutual attraction has developed between her and Quatro and plans to quit her job. How can they find love and a lasting marriage when their goals in life are so different?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Molly Noble Bull, Christian novelist, might be called a Genre Jumper because she enjoys writing everything from Christian romances to adventure stories to humor to books and stories for children to scary Gothic novels to western romances to non-fiction, and she is a wife, mother, grandmother and former elementary and early childhood teacher. A native Texan, she is also a graduate of Texas A&M University at Kingsville.Molly has a Texas cattle ranch background, and When the Cowboy Rides Away, her historical western with a touch of romance, won the 2016 Texas Association of Authors contest in the Christian Western category. Other of Molly’s westerns include Love Inspired’s The Winter Pearl and Brides And Blessings and also, The Rogue’s Daughter–first published by Zondervan.
Molly’s father and maternal grandfather were ranch managers, making them real Texas cowboys, and she spent part of her growing up years on a 60,000 acre cattle ranch. She and her husband have three grown sons and six grandchildren, and all three of their sons are involved in ranching in Texas today.
www.mollynoblebull.com
http://writersrest.blogspot.com
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by admin | Jun 7, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“Peace in the Valley” is one of those books that really tugged at my heartstrings. I found myself tearing up over and over but not for sad reasons. I was so touched by the relationship that developed between Trey and Lucy’s children and the love and trust they had for him.
Trey Stafford is the kind of man most women dream about but not for the obvious reasons. Trey is a man who has known tremendous success and has been living his dream. He is also a man who has known tragedy from a very young age when he lost both parents and has also lost his wife – all to drugs. Through it all he has maintained his integrity and faith and is dedicated to doing the right thing.
Lucy Carlton is a woman who has known nothing but hardship. She left her childhood home with a self-centered father and entered a marriage to a man who turned out much like her father. Now a widow with three children, Lucy is barely making ends meet but believes that hard work might just take care of her beloved children. A close call places her in the position of having to accept help from Trey and the much despised Sam Stafford. Frequent contact with Trey and his family begins to change Lucy’s opinion of them and puts her heart at risk.
I have very much enjoyed each and every one of the books in this series but “Peace in the Valley” is one that will remain in my memory for awhile. A beautiful story of faith, trust, love, and emotional healing, this book is one I will want to read again. Please do yourself a favor and pick up a copy soon. It is now available in stores where mass market novels are sold as well as the usual online vendors and the price is right.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Blogging for Books. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
In spite of their differences, Trey Walker Stafford knows he owes his life to cowboy and legendary rancher Sam Stafford—the uncle who rescued him after his parents’ death. Trey had left the Double S Ranch to pursue music against Sam’s wishes, but returns to central Washington when he learns he’s the best match for a procedure that could save Sam’s life. Although Trey’s found country music fame and success, he’s also endured the tragic loss of his wife. He croons about love, but struggles with a yawning emptiness he can’t explain.
Overwhelmed by a growing list of challenges, but mistrustful of Stafford men, single mother Lucy Carlton reluctantly accepts Trey’s help to revive her crumbling farm when Sam instructs him to repay the overdue debt to her family.
As the two grow closer, Trey slowly begins to open his heart to this beautiful woman and strives to let go of the grief he’s held for years. Lucy has a complicated history of her own. Can Trey accept her as she is, learn to forgive the past, and find the elusive peace he’s sought for so long?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
With more than half a million books in print, RUTH LOGAN HERNE is the popular author of fifteen Love Inspired contemporary novels, three self-published novels and contributed to two novella collections. She lives on a farm in upstate New York with her husband and has six adult children.
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by admin | Jun 7, 2017 | Books, Canada, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“On Love’s Gentle Shore” is the third and final book in Liz Johnson’s Prince Edward Island Dreams series. I have been privileged to read and review each of the books and loved them all. It would be difficult to choose which one I enjoyed the most but if I had to choose I would probably choose this one. There is just something about stories about the reunion of past love. And no, I don’t think that is a spoiler. All of us who have read numerous romance novels know how a book will usually end. It’s the pages in between the beginning and the end and how it all comes about that keeps us reading. Natalie and Justin getting back together is a given but how it all transpires is the mystery. And what a story it is!
Fifteen long years of hurt feelings and misunderstandings stand between Natalie and Justin. Natalie was content with her life in Nashville and never planned to return to Prince Edward Island but somehow found herself agreeing to having her wedding in her hometown. Her fiance books an entire summer at the Red Door Inn so they can plan and facilitate the wedding. When the inevitable happens and Natalie and Justin can no longer avoid each other, each must come to grips with their past and find healing (and love).
This was a beautiful story and I was rooting for Justin from the beginning. It was easy for me to see that Russell was absolutely not the right man for Natalie. I really found it difficult to like him at all. He was way too self-centered from the beginning – love himself way more than he loved Natalie.
Liz Johnson writes so naturally that the entire story flowed. It was almost impossible for me to put the book down to take care of mundane tasks. I didn’t want to miss a minute of the story but of course the end came much too quickly. One of these days I may be able to learn to slow down and savor a story but there are still so many books to read and my time grows shorter by the day. It is a blessing and a curse that my favorite authors just keep cranking out books. I’ll never catch up but I’ll keep trying!
Loved “On Love’s Gentle Shore” and look forward to whatever Liz Johnson has to offer her readers next.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Fifteen years after she left Prince Edward Island, Natalie O’Ryan had no plans to return. But when her fiancé, music producer Russell Jacobs, books their wedding in her hometown and schedules a summer at Rose’s Red Door Inn, she sets out to put the finishing touches on the perfect wedding. But she can’t possibly prepare for a run-in with Justin Kane–the best friend she left behind all those years ago after promising to stay.
Justin’s never forgotten Natalie or the music career he always dreamed of pursuing. He’d been prepared to follow her off the island until his dad died and he was left to run the family dairy farm. He’s done the best he can with the life that was thrust upon him–but with Natalie back in the picture, he begins to realize just how much joy he’s been missing.
After Natalie’s reception venue falls through, she must scramble to find an alternative, and the only option seems to be a barn on Justin’s property. As they work together to get the dilapidated building ready for the party, Natalie and Justin discover the groundwork for forgiveness–and that there may be more than an old friendship between them.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Liz Johnson is a full-time marketing specialist for a Nashville-based publisher. She has been a freelance writer and editor for several publications, including CBA Retailers+Resources, Christian Fiction Online magazine, and Storytellers Journal. A member of American Christian Fiction Writers, she is the author of several books, including The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn (an ACFW Carol Award finalist) and A Star in the Night, which was part of the New York Times and ECPA bestselling A Log Cabin Christmas Collection.
by admin | Jun 7, 2017 | Books, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Having read this author’s Golden Gate Chronicles and her stand-alone novel “Mistaken”, I was eager to read the first book in her Vintage National Parks series. The fact that my daughter and her husband are currently working as traveling Physical Therapy Assistants in the Pacific Northwest and who also are making it a point to visit as many national parks as possible during their travels upped its interest level for me at least tenfold. And yes, they have already visited Mt. Rainer National Park.
I loved that the story was written about the early days of the park before it became such a popular tourist attraction. It was fun and interesting to read about the unspoiled wilderness that was present during that time as well as the fight to keep it that way. Strong characters and the combination of danger, adventure, romance, faith, and a touch of intrigue worktogether to make this book a real page-turner.
Although traits of the primary characters are not exactly unique (strong but emotionally wounded hero and independent rich girl resisting the restraints of her sheltered life), they work together well in “The Road to Paradise”. Ford’s losses have definitely affected him but his strength and integrity shine through. Margie is adorably quirky and a bit clumsy but her resilience and love for nature and others makes her the perfect heroine.
I thoroughly enjoyed “The Road to Paradise” and am impatiently waiting for the next installment.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Waterbrook Multnomah.
A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
An ideal sanctuary and a dream come true–that’s what Margaret Lane feels as she takes in God’s gorgeous handiwork in Mount Rainer National Park. It’s 1927 and the National Park Service is in its youth when Margie, an avid naturalist, lands a coveted position alongside the park rangers living and working in the unrivaled splendor of Mount Rainier’s long shadow.
But Chief Ranger Ford Brayden is still haunted by his father’s death on the mountain, and the ranger takes his work managing the park and its crowd of visitors seriously. The job of watching over an idealistic senator’s daughter with few practical survival skills seems a waste of resources.
When Margie’s former fiancé sets his mind on developing the Paradise Inn and its surroundings into a tourist playground, the plans might put more than the park’s pristine beauty in danger. What will Margie and Ford sacrifice to preserve the splendor and simplicity of the wilderness they both love?
Karen Barnett’s vintage national parks novels bring to vivid life President Theodore Roosevelt’s vision for protected lands, when he wrote in Outdoor Pastimes of an American Hunter: “There can be nothing in the world more beautiful than the Yosemite, the groves of the giant sequoias and redwoods, the Canyon of the Colorado, the Canyon of the Yellowstone, the Three Tetons; and our people should see to it that they are preserved for their children and their children’s children forever, with their majestic beauty all unmarred.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
KAREN BARNETT is an award winning author of four novels who draws on her firsthand experience as a naturalist, former park ranger, and outdoor educator to transport readers to America’s national parks.. She lives in Oregon with her husband and two children.
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